DOVER — The Town of Dover Police Department is excited to announce the second annual Junior Police Academy, taking place from July 29, 2024, to August 2, 2024. Events will occur daily between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Crescent Field and the Dover American Legion Post 27. Participants should be dropped off between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. at the American Legion, where they will be escorted to Crescent Field for outdoor activities and later returned to the American Legion for presentations by guest speakers.
Designed for children interested in law enforcement, the academy will feature local, county, and federal officials who will discuss their roles and areas of expertise. Invited agencies include the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency.
Each child will receive a uniform consisting of shorts, a t-shirt, and a baseball cap, all bearing the Dover Police Junior Academy logo and an official police identification number. Lunch will be provided daily, free of charge, thanks to generous donations from the Dover Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 107 and local businesses supporting youth initiatives in Dover.
The program starts each day with a drop-off at the Dover American Legion, followed by a brief orientation. Children will follow daily drill instructions, learning to march and run in formation, akin to real police academy recruits. After morning activities, they will return to the American Legion for guest speaker sessions. Some demonstrations may take place back at Crescent Field.
Post-lunch activities include presentations by Dover Police officers and detectives, who will describe their duties and demonstrate police equipment. Although police weapons will be shown, children will not be allowed to handle them.
Dismissal occurs daily from the American Legion. The final day features a catered lunch followed by a graduation ceremony at 1:00 p.m., with families invited to attend. Last year, participants were recognized by New Jersey State Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, with additional commendations from Dover Mayor Carolyn Blackman and Police Chief Jonathan Delaney.
The academy is limited to 40 participants to ensure a high-quality experience. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents/guardians must also attend a pre-academy meeting to discuss expectations.
Click here to download the application. Send completed applications to communityaffairs@doverpolicenj.org.
